'To What Extent Does Transition Policy and Practice Result in Positive Adult Outcomes for Young People with Autism Spectrum Disorder?'

The transition to adulthood is traditionally a period of anxiety and uncertainty. For young people with autism spectrum disorder it is exacerbated by their social and communication difficulties and problems coping with... [ view full abstract ]

The transition to adulthood is traditionally a period of anxiety and uncertainty. For young people with autism spectrum disorder it is exacerbated by their social and communication difficulties and problems coping with change.
Current reforms and legislation has recognised previous failings in transition policy and has introduced new legislation to ensure that transition planning now begins at age 14 for all children and young people with an education and health care plan. The plans must have a clear pathway to post 16 education, training or employment with a strong focus on positive adult outcomes.
This review highlights the literature and analyses the policy context by focussing on the outcomes led approach and how to successfully measure this. Currently, the code of practice focuses on the four main outcomes of
1. Higher education and/or employment
2. Independent living
3. Participating in society
4. Being as healthy as possible
It does not take into account emotional wellbeing and resilience as of equal importance suggesting a move towards a medical model approach to disability and further away from the social model.
Finally, recommendations are made for future research in the area of developing a ‘quality of life’ approach as a framework for measuring adult outcomes with a strong focus on developing resilience and emotional wellbeing through teaching self-autonomy, determination and coping skills as part of a preparing for adulthood programme for young people with autism spectrum disorder.